1972 Caravelle tri-hull

[peteratiboats]

Am I nuts to buy a 1972 Caravelle 18' tri hull with a 6cyl Volvo engine, stern drive, (don't know the make yet), It came from Iowa, is in so Cal now., has not run in a number of years. <br />This would be my first boat, obviously a project. but what would I be getting myself into???? Trouble???<br />Thanks.

 

[johnkc]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

don't buy a old volvo,they are fine running engines when they run. but to keep it running and /or to get it in running condition will be a financial experience.

 

[peteratiboats]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

thanks<br />I am going to look at the boat this weekend anyway just to get some experience in checking out used/old boats.<br />Would your advice apply to all Volvo's or just older ones<br />parts hard to come by?? expensive ???

 

[johnkc]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

pertains to the older stuff,probably older than 1985.all boat parts are expensive, but you can usually find good used mercruiser parts at reasonable prices.and by all means don't be afraid to be a tire kicker. the more boats you look at the more you will know what you want and don't want.

 

[chris in va]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

I bought a 94 Caravelle last winter for 1/2 book value, and it's been a real PAIN. Just the last month it's been running good, but until then so many things were wrong. <br /><br />Sounds like a money pit to me.

 

[peteratiboats]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

Thanks for the replies . The guy selling this boat is only askin 800 dollars. ...... but I will take a look at it this weekend and keep ya all posted<br />

 

[peteratiboats]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

I got a chance to look at the Caravell yesterday. It actually has a 140 OMC 4cyl, with an OMC stern drive, it probably has not run since 1987, the oil fill tubeon the valve cover was rather rusted on the inside, there is a crack in the water jacket, the bellows is shot, And is was stored in Arizona not Iowa.<br /> The model # W481195 / 990226A.<br /> Stern drive numbers are 980703/ W58128.<br />Other newbie questions:<br />Is 140 OMC is 140 horse power?<br />Is OMC now owned by volvo?<br />Are OMC parts ridiculously expensive?<br />I did take some pics if anybody is interested.<br />Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1972 Caravelle tri-hull

I'll Proabably get Dumped on by all the OMC lovers here, BUT.......<br /><br />Is 140 OMC is 140 horse power? <br />Yes....<br /> Is OMC now owned by volvo? <br />NO, OMC, Outboard div. is owned by Bombardier...<br />The Outdrive div. is History... Gone.. Is No More...<br /> Are OMC parts ridiculously expensive? <br />You Betcha......<br />The Parent Company is GONE... The drives Aren't Made Anymore... There Are a few aftermarket companies selling Some Parts... But NO Dealers....<br /><br />For $800...... It Better be sitting on a $1000. Trailer..... If it's Not, You're going to get Screwed.....<br />You're Looking at a $100. boat that Already Needs a $1200. Engine........